The user creates two shadow clones before proceeding to assault the enemy, with the clones attacking from the left and right and the user attacking from above. The assault occurs on three fronts simultaneously; it is almost impossible to catch the opponent flat-footed. Furthermore, the mighty sword strikes are so severe that receiving a blow from just even one among the three will inevitably result in a fatal wound.

In the anime, when performed with kunai, it is shown that getting hit by all three attackers of the technique results in a blow powerful enough to send the opponent flying through several buildings.[2]

The style and magnificence of how the user and their shadow clones leap and swing their swords at the opponent's upper body creates an orbital pattern, the elegance of which is reminiscent to the shape of a crescent moon, hence the technique's name.

Trivia

In the manga and anime, Hayate calls this technique by its full name, Leaf-Style Dance of the Crescent Moon (木ノ葉流三日月の舞, Konoha-Ryū Mikazuki no Mai; Literally meaning "Tree Leaf-Style Dance of the Three Days' Moon"). The databook entry for this technique drops the "Leaf-Style" part.

In the anime, Hayate once used this technique with kunai instead of swords.[2]

Mikazuki is also the part of name of the very famous sword — Mikazuki Munechika (三日月宗近), that is one of famous swords collection called Tenka Goken (天下五剣, Tenka Goken; Literally meaning "Five Swords Under Heavens") used during the Muromachi period of Japan.